Alila Yangshuo

Set amid a landscape of karst mountains, winding rivers, and lush hills, Alila Yangshuo is a luxury design hotel housed in a former sugar mill. Beautiful heritage buildings blend with modern accommodation blocks on the banks of the Li River, while inside contemporary Chinese design takes center stage.

Most of the 117 guestrooms and suites are housed in modern buildings. The tranquil rooms feature neutral tones, organic materials like bamboo, contemporary furniture, and private balconies or terraces. Heritage Suites sit atop the old sugar mill, and there are also private pool villas.

Set in the former sugar press, the restaurant serves Chinese and Western cuisine using fresh, local, seasonal produce. There’s also a bar with its own in-house rum distillery and cocktail menu.

The region is ripe for outdoor exploration, with hiking, biking, rock climbing, and rafting on offer, while back at the resort there’s an outdoor pool with sublime views and a superb spa.